Free Tax Preparation Campaign Volunteer:
Jill's Story
The warm, human side to filing income tax returns. It may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s the reason Jill McKinnie gave up one evening every week for four months to be a United Way free tax preparation volunteer.
As District Director for Rep. Rick Larsen, Jill spends long hours working for constituents. Still, the personal satisfaction of directly helping low-income families get the best refund possible was extraordinarily gratifying, Jill says.
“The very first income tax return I did was for a younger, single mother,”
Jill recalls. “Her refund was one-third of her annual income, which was
only $12,000. Her face was just glowing! How do people with such
limited incomes make it? It makes you realize how much we have.”
The daughter of Bob and Myrna Overstreet, Jill grew up with a commitment to volunteering. “I really appreciate United Way giving me the opportunity to use my ‘numbers talent’ in such a meaningful way,” Jill adds. “Connecting people to volunteering is a huge service."